When it’s time for that birthday party, anniversary party or holiday party we don’t often give ourselves a budget. Every party should have a cap out point where you say okay, this is enough. If you’re planning an event think about how much you want to spend on that event, how much do have available or how much do you want to make available for the event? Then think about that number and answer the next questions to decide if that number is realistic for what you want to accomplish. If it’s not then you’ll either need to find more funding or you’ll have to scale down your vision of the party.

The first place to start is to create a vision by writing down how you want the party to go. What will you be serving, how will you invite them, will there be favors, what type of decorations, if any will you need? Think back to other like parties and what you liked about them and if those ideas will work for your party. Higlight the things about the party that you must have! The next thing is deciding on your guest list; keep it as short as possible. If you are planning with others then you should all make a guest wish list and get together and look over those lists and decide who you can bear not to invite. Once you know the things you must have at your event and the amount of people that will be invited you should be able to guesstimate the party cost. You may have to do a little research for decorations, place settings, favors, food, etc to get a better guesstimate especially if entertaining is not somethig you do very often. If your estimated cost meets your budget then it’s time to start making purchases, rentals, and reservations as needed.

Go inexpensive and find alternative dishware, if you need it, that you can re-use rather than spending a ton on rentals. Party City and even the Dollar Tree have a great selection of plastic serving trays, bowls etc and trust me most people won’t know the difference and most people don’t care…if it looks good and taste good that’s what counts…that is what you will be remembered for. Choose a theme for your party so that it’s not so “fancy” it takes you out outside your budget.

We all know food can get expensive especially if you’re catering. Even if you’re not the cooking type visit your local Sam’s or BJ’s or Costco. They have tons of appetizers, sides and main dishes that are absolutely delicious, cost effective and will make your party a hit. You know when I buy things that I didn’t make I just put them in a pretty dish, throw away the container it came in and when asked for a recipe I just tell them it’s a family secret. No one but you needs to know your secret is Sam’s! LOL